Living the Reality of the Make-Believe

Book Reflections: "Had the Queen Lived: An Alternative History of Anne Boleyn" by Raven Nuckols

2012-02-08T09:30:00.000-08:00

WARNING: SPOILERS A PLENTY. I waited three months for Fullybooked to order a copy of "Had the Queen Lived: An Alternative History of Anne Boleyn" by Raven Nuckols. I figured it's cheaper to have it ordered by Fullybooked than getting my copy through Amazon (and shouldering delivery costs). And it was cheaper. Got the book for only Php1300. I've always been enticed with the era of English

AYLAA Starfish Column: Nurturing the youth’s pure and fragile hope

2012-02-08T06:46:00.000-08:00

My Ayala Young Leaders Alumni Association - Starfish Online column for the month. These are some learning points on sustaining the youth's interest and hope in engaging change processes. Here's a teaser: In a research project I recently concluded with a non-government organization, I encountered a young student whose community initiative failed to gather the support and response of his own

Thoughts from HK-Macau Trip

2011-12-30T09:09:00.000-08:00

Just got back from a week's vacation in HK & Macau with family. First off, if I had a choice, I'd prefer not to go back to Pinas just yet. But reality's a bitch sometimes. Some thoughts linger on, though: 1. As my brother quoted a random source, [something like] -- we always expect people to know how to speak English, even if we're in their own land -- and that's quite unfair. But still, it

On Twitter's feed on Marriage

2011-12-14T08:27:00.001-08:00

I've been following tonight's Twitter feed on minority of Americans being married, and tweeters around the world seem so perplexed about the idea of keeping a marriage working. For the time I've been married, and for the five earlier years that I lived as if I were married, I learned that there are only two essential things that each partner should give - the husband's heart, and the wife's

Echoing the Call of Those Who Try to Help Themselves

2011-10-03T10:15:00.000-07:00

There are some calls-for-help that cannot be shrugged off. These are the calls from people who try their best to help themselves. I am almost done with my thesis -- meaning, I'm just really waiting for the last edits of my thesis adviser so I can submit hardbound copies to the Graduate Office in UP-Diliman. In the course of my research work, I visited the Yason Family Farm School (YFFS) in

Quarterlife Crisis and the Lack Thereof

2011-07-08T10:19:00.000-07:00

My birthday is coming up soon. I had hoped for a quarter-life crisis (seriously), so I'd have something to make a drama out of, but perhaps I got that already some months after graduating from college. So here's all I've got now - without drama, without something 'personal' to discuss with friends. I have me contemplating about the entire process of how I lost a lot of my youthful passions and

Surviving the Heat -- Part 2, after a year

2011-06-13T09:51:00.000-07:00

A year ago, I posted 10 tips to survive the heat. Well as we all know, the world is coming to a fiery end. It's only just a matter of hundreds of years more. So we gotta survive until the polar ice caps melt and the human race becomes extinct. I found out a couple more ways to survive the heat. So here's part 2 of the set of tips. (11) DROP THE PANTIES (or briefs, whichever applies) I mentioned

To Filipino women -- on getting married, RH, and divorce

2011-06-12T09:12:00.000-07:00

Filipino women, it's hard to be a woman in this country. So NEVER marry a man who's anti-RH and anti-divorce. It's a sure sign of future psycho-emotional burdens and possible abuse.I am newly married, and I signed various support letters for versions of the RH bill. Given a chance on the divorce bill, I will sign too for it. This is where I come from. I have no intention at all to dissolve my

"How's married life?"

2011-05-25T12:53:00.000-07:00

Practically speaking, nothing much has changed. But this much has changed:

Bell'arte: Customized Crafts and Jewelry

2011-05-23T04:07:00.000-07:00

Visit us and be a part of our Facebook group!

Posible Pala Yun

2011-04-23T12:21:00.000-07:00

This Lent, I was re-graced with the message of unconditional love. I am reminded through a series of conspicuous and well-designed events that I am called to love. So I take this time to process my thoughts and continue my reflection. Perfect for an Easter Sunday. There are some descriptions of love that strike me quite particularly: (A) Scott Peck said, love is "The will to extend one's self

Here goes a wedding update!

2011-04-02T09:24:00.000-07:00

Check it out at: http://guce-medinaweddingnotes.blogspot.com/ :)

She Who Saves Me Everyday

2011-03-02T10:21:00.000-08:00

Today, March 3, is my mom's birthday. She will never admit to her real age except I think when faced with a legal document to fill up. She'd always play around 18-20. And because of this, when I'm asked how old she truly is, I would end up computing. This is my favorite most-recent photo of my mom and me. But I suppose that is what makes her incredibly special. She never ages. She laughs over

Mentors Batch 1 -- A Special Thank You from a Crazy Little Dreamy Girl

2011-02-24T04:45:00.000-08:00

What I learned in my X-number of years post-college in the professional world -- there is a great scarcity of mentors, in the world I know at least. Mentors are different from teachers. And they're hella greatly different from bosses. Mentors encourage. they listen - truly listen. Mentors know how to empathize, to see the world in your eyes and appropriate their advise from there. They feel for

A Happy Heart's Day Because..

2011-02-14T07:26:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day pre-celeb at Ayala Young Leaders Congress Wedding ring arrival And more. CHECK OUT HERE. :) I could only share in one blog so much about one love season. Have to cross-post for now. :)

Lee Kwan Yew on Filipino and the Philippines (Points to Ponder on in light of EDSA's 25th)

2011-02-10T08:51:00.000-08:00

I don't get the point of the "anti-pinoy" blog name. But in light of the upcoming 25th year anniversary of EDSA 1, I think the excerpt from Lee Kwan Yew's book typed here would be a very good read.Lee Kuan Yew on Filipinos and the Philippines

My Mighty Email

2011-02-09T07:55:00.000-08:00

I've been feeling trapped lately - primarily because some commitments I have are evolving into bigger creatures. They're growing out of my initial expectation. But because a commitment is a commitment, I am keeping up with what I gave my word to. At least, so far, I'm still sane. But the stress is getting into me. And it's been showing through little things. Women would know what stress

A Blog for the Next Hundred Days or So

2011-02-05T18:28:00.001-08:00

I haven't been blogging for many reasons - finishing my thesis, working in many groups (full-time, consultancies, projects - it's crazy). But there's something else. Wedding preparations have begun. We haven't finalized the date; we're still waiting confirmation from PMA. We haven't talked to a lot of people also. We're all setting up everything one after another. I thought it would be

2010: Year of [Taming] the Tiger

2011-01-02T06:32:00.000-08:00

In the Chinese New Year, 2010 is my year - the year of the Tiger. I am not sure anymore what astrologists said around this time last year about what 2010 would bring for Tigers. In my case, at least, the year gave me the freedom to be unleashed, so that I would find the things that - in the sense of the fox in The Little Prince - would tame me. I learned that I could manage many, many more

My Source of Joy and Misery

2010-11-13T08:31:00.001-08:00

No analysis here. Just free flowing thoughts to clear up my mind. With that said... ============= The ups and downs of my life these days revolve around one great word -- thesis. My job(s) and consultancy decisions are based on which ones will feed money into my thesis, and which ones will not compromise my thesis schedule. My trips with my family are carefully planned out according to my

Let me Ride the Carlos Celdran Discussion

2010-09-30T09:10:00.000-07:00

The way we view issues involving the framework of the Church-State separation is very pragmatic-bordering to the abusive. It's not even modernist in terms of functional differentiation. We take the side of whoever echoes public opinion (or at least, the opinion of the social group that we belong to). Let me first clarify my personal biases. I am for RH bill, hard core. I share no following

The Nightmare that is Toy Story 3

2010-07-03T10:41:00.000-07:00

Toy Story 3 (TS3) managed to successfully ruin the themes from the previous installments. And if I were a parent, I would be tossing and turning right now thinking of a way to debrief my child from the trauma of the movie. I assume that Toy Story embarked on this story to recapture the audience that loved the first two movies. And on this note alone, the movie should have never been General

Decisions and Parallel Universes

2010-06-17T02:27:00.000-07:00

I am at the brink of making another big decision, and somehow my thought process has taken the geek road. The philosophical beauty of a choice is that it denies the existence of other possibilities. Choosing is a limiting process, such that one determines the course of the future. We hear all sorts of cliches about this: we are measured by the decisions that we make (and in the Dacanay sense, the

"Silence" in the Workplace

2010-06-11T09:25:00.001-07:00

I wrote this short entry in the ADMU Department of Sociology and Anthropology blog, which has recently been created. I invite you all to visit the blog once in a while, follow it if you have a Google account, and post your comments freely. --------- I found this interesting read from the Harvard Business Review discussing the reasons behind employees being silent in the workplace – their

Classroom Experiments: Free-flowing musings prior to another semester

2010-06-08T03:50:00.000-07:00

One week before the new semester. Preparations for the new classes must be made. These preparations must jive with the other, many, research work. But thanks (but no thanks) to a flu, I find myself having time to blog again. ---------The isolation of the classroom setting has always been a critical subject in developing education, and the critique goes as far back as John Dewey's time (or even

For Once In My Life

2010-05-23T02:45:00.000-07:00

I can watch this over and over again, and fall in love each time.

Surviving the Heat: 10 Tips

2010-05-20T04:54:00.000-07:00

Whoever said that Global Warming is a theory should go to any point of Metro Manila these days to get an immediate set of statistically overwhelming data. I personally believe there is no such thing as the end of the world - it's only the end of our world, for we are under the process of annihilation from our disrespect for the great circle of life. The Earth sooner or later will go on its

The Philosophical Question of Rest

2010-02-23T19:40:00.001-08:00

Long time no blog. There's an explanation for that later on. This was supposed to be a Facebook status only, but it turns out to be too lengthy that it requires a much longer space. The experience of tiredness (leading to rest) is a very philosophical one. For one, it is one behavior that does not contribute to human survival, for in rest we become extremely vulnerable. Studies show that rest is

Insights from Sultan Kudarat and Lanao del Norte

2009-11-17T03:03:00.000-08:00

I spent the last few days in Sultan Kudarat and Lanao del Norte for the validation and impact assessment for my work in AIM's Bridging Leadership program. The Fellows I was evaluating were Col. Gavin Edjawan of the Philippine Army and Gov. Khalid Dimaporo. The catch: We went around Sultan Kudarat and Lanao del Norte in three and a half days. Up the mountains, near the coast, into an MNLF

Star Wars Script: Episodes 1-6

2009-11-12T16:02:00.000-08:00

Here you go fellow geeks! (Attachment in Multiply view)Link also here.

Some time with my boys (Star City, Oct31 '09)

2009-11-02T11:21:00.000-08:00

Cherishing every moment with my sweetheart JayR and brother Lyndon. And it's cool to have solo photos again. The rest of the photos are in my Multiply blog. :) As for now, it's back to work.

Weddings and celebrations: The irony and joy

2009-11-01T09:38:00.000-08:00

Nope, not mine. At least not yet. I have two very dear friends getting married soon. One's Mich Orosa, whose engagement video have been circulating all around the Internet (and for a good reason at that... *YOU SHOULD WATCH IT* haha or check out their wedding webpage). And the other's Honey Sumndad, the princess of our hearts in AYLC. She's tying the knot in December. They're really great "

Obsessing About my Planner

2009-10-27T23:08:00.000-07:00

I spent the first few hours of this morning drooling over my new planner for 2010. It's stylish, a bit larger than my 2009 planner, but still fabulous! I cannot remember the first time that I took "planning (on a planner, I mean)" seriously. But I can bet it was way back during my primary school days. I often say to my friends and colleagues, if you want to blackmail me into doing something, the

Mga Aral na Natutunan Ko Nitong Hell Month(s)

2009-10-23T05:25:00.000-07:00

Matagal-tagal din akong absent sa blogosphere. Sinadya ko yun dahil kinailangan kong gawin muna ang mga dapat gawin sa offline world bago ako manggulong muli online. Ngunit ngayong natapos na (o patapos na) ang hell months ko, siguro marapat lamang na i-process ko ang banality of the information and tasks na dumaan.Masabaw-sabaw pa ang utak ko. Kaya wala munang analytical framework. Wala munang

Flooded concerns

2009-09-30T19:11:00.000-07:00

The floods brought about by Ondoy flooded my mind with more questions and concerns. Right now I don't even know where to start. And because I'm expecting incoherence in tying my ideas into one big essay, I'd rather but them in bulletted format:(1) I saw choices. Of people to save lives up to a point where some gave up their own. Of unaffected people shelling out money and time to give. As

Si Villar at si Ondoy

2009-09-27T16:34:00.000-07:00

Tsk tsk. Ano ba yan.Nanggaling dito ang larawan.

MUST READ! David and Monsod Inquirer columns today

2009-09-04T20:05:00.001-07:00

Randy David's column reminds us of the patronage politics that has crippled our government. Excerpt:"This culture of patronage so pervades our political life that elections are seen as nothing more than contests to determine who can give more and promise more in the short-term. Accordingly, the image that candidates assiduously cultivate is that of approachability rather than competence, and

Noynoy WILL run for president.

2009-09-01T00:51:00.000-07:00

I do not discount the angle that Mar and Noynoy genuine feel for the country. I actually am openly supporting the two primarily because of their dedication to make the Philippines better. But with tonight's announcement, a different card has been put to the table.So let's talk plainly.Noynoy said he needs to discern first before announcing if he will run for the presidency. I am acknowledging the

How will the automated election go? (Demo by Smartmatic)

2009-08-27T17:25:00.000-07:00

Smartmatic, in this video, explains how the elections would go.

Obama, Biden and Burgers

2009-08-18T00:37:00.000-07:00

If I got the audio correctly, the amount Obama paid for is less than $30. Compared to the $15,000 and $11,000 Gloria and her crocodiles paid for their dinners. And Malacanang says the president doesn't deserve to eat hotdogs?Bakit, dahil maliit sya ang dapat sa kanya yung cocktail-sized hotdogs? Yung hot puppy?

A Challenge on Capturing Life

2009-08-14T18:06:00.000-07:00

I am in Davao right now, unfortunately not enjoying the week-long local festival, but listening to stories of local leaders who are facing the fundamental development struggle: breaching the macro-micro levels, transcending the spheres of government, culture, and religion, facing the challenges of personal limitations and social demands.But the catch is, I am here not just to listen. But I am

Starfish Magazine: CALL FOR PROPOSALS

2009-08-12T00:09:00.000-07:00

Feel free to pass on to your egroups... :) ------------------- Hello! The long wait is over! STARFISH MAGAZINE is once again sending out our call for proposals for those interested to share their articles. Please see the following list of our sections so you could find a perfect space for your article ideas. (1) COVER STORY: "Soul Sanctuary"The November issue will have the theme, "Soul

Can President Arroyo explain her wealth? (PCIJ report)

2009-08-09T21:34:00.000-07:00

"Can President Arroyo explain her wealth? Gloria gets richer fastest, beats Cory"Malou Mangahas' PCIJ report can be seen here.

Twist and shout!

2009-08-09T13:08:00.000-07:00

In celebration of one beautiful, wonderful weekend.. :)

Job Hiring: Marketing and Operations Assistant

2009-08-06T06:51:00.000-07:00

Kindly forward to those who might be interested. Urgent hiring.Designation: Marketing & Operations Assistant, STARFISH MAGAZINE Professional Fee: P15, 000 monthly salary; Full – time position from Aug.15 – March 15; With performance subject for evaluation by the Executive Board for renewal of contract; Must bring in FIVE (5) full – page advertisers per issue; 10% commission per

Jamby's Prayer Beads @ Cory's Funeral

2009-08-06T04:30:00.000-07:00

So here's the photo of the supposed bracelet/prayer beads that Jamby gave away during the funeral of Cory Aquino.For source and quoted story of someone who received the bracelet, go to this link.There is no end to this woman's shamelessness.

Ninoy's speech in LA: A wonderful piece of history

2009-08-03T09:48:00.000-07:00

This is the first video:Since the succeeding videos' embedding are disabled, you may follow the parts through these links:Second partThird partFourth partFifth partSixth partSeventh partEighth partLast part

Is there no one else? (My tribute to Cory Aquino)

2009-08-02T10:45:00.000-07:00

I didn't think I had the capacity to write something about Cory Aquino, primarily because I wasn't even born yet when the EDSA 1986 happened. I was too young to remember any of the coup attempts several years after that. And for a couple of years my family was in Singapore. But part of my name is attributed to her. So I feel obliged to share my thoughts.I won't even dare to say Cory taught us the

Disturbing Disney Songs

2009-07-23T13:26:00.000-07:00

I spent the past nights loading one Youtube clip after another of the Disney movies I used to watch as a child. And it dawned on me that some of the songs are incredibly haunting, for good and bad reasons alike.In no particular order:Frollo's "Hellfire" (Hunchback of Notre Dame)Key lines: "But she will be mine, or she will burn". Full lyrics here.At least Frollo's character and subplot was true

Initial Review of the Presidentiables (from the FVR-RPDEV Lecture)

2009-07-21T09:56:00.000-07:00

How they think -- this is what I want to know about the presidentiables running for the 2010 elections. And the FVR-RPDEV lecture last July 16 is one of those opportunities wherein I was able to listen to six of the presidentiables and ponder on what they thought about the presidency, and how they would proceed given circumstances. For that day, they presented their six-year socio-economic-peace